The research carried out by car accessory to camping retailer Halfords demonstrates the extraordinary amount of holiday luggage that Brits take away with them, along with the surprising items people feel they can’t do without.
The study quizzed 3200 and highlighted a reluctance to leave behind basic home comforts. Six out of ten admitted to packing more than they did five years ago.
Included among the “must have” items were a carpet, portable TV, table and chairs, bikes and fire extinguisher. More unusual items stashed away included a flagpole, portable solar panel, portable loos and electric shower cubicles.
Halfords carried out the research to help motorists choose the right way to safely stow and carry their holiday luggage whether in roof boxes, bags, trailers or on roof bars.
“Times have changed”, said Paul Fensome, Halfords Travel Solutions Expert. “We were astonished by what people pack and the items they need - regardless of whether they are camping or staying in holiday accommodation.
“More people are holidaying in the UK than ever and they are telling us they want their home luxuries with them. It is important to realise that this amount of luggage can’t just be thrown in the boot and on the car seats it must be packed properly.
“Halfords stock a range of travel solutions to keep you on the move and ensure that you and your luggage arrive safely at your destination.”
71% of those surveyed blame Mums for taking the most and Mums admitted that the first items in the case were hair straightners and hair dryers. Then came four pairs of shoes and clothes but also tablemats, mirrors, toasters and portable fridges
Just 8% said Dads took too much (though golfers were an exception). Men put booze ahead of clothes in their list of what to take.
Technology-obsessed youngsters are also contributing to the load, their iPods, portable DVD players and hand held computer games meaning the family also has to pack chargers and power sources. They want their footballs and bikes as well.
Long gone are the days of cooking up beans on a single gas ring. Campers use microwaves and barbecues to prepare meals and a gazebo is also on the list.
The study found half of Britons were planning to holiday in the UK this summer and would use their cars to get to their destination. Just over a quarter (28%) said they would be camping and a further 5% caravanning.
Police said they are stopping holidaymakers in a summer campaign to ensure luggage is packed properly so cars are roadworthy and accidents are avoided. PC Steve Rounds of the Central Motorway Police Group said: “We're concerned with how drivers load their vehicles, as overloading them can be extremely dangerous.
“What’s important is that luggage has to be safely stowed and packed away in a manner that does not affect the handling of the vehicle.”
Weight of luggage calculated by asking typical families to pack their cars and vehicles weights before and after.
Case studies and photos of three typical regular camping families and their luggage available
The Group is the UK’s leading retailer of automotive, leisure and cycling products and through Nationwide Autocentres is also the UK’s leading independent car servicing and repair operator.
Halfords employs approximately 11,000 staff and sells over 12,000 different product lines with significant ranges in car parts, cycles, in-car technology, child seats, roof boxes, outdoor leisure and camping equipment. Halfords own brands include the in-store Bikehut department, for cycles and cycling accessories, Apollo and Carrera cycles and exclusive UK distribution rights of the premium ranged Boardman cycles and accessories. In outdoor leisure, we sell a premium range of camping equipment, branded URBAN Escape. Halfords offers customers expert advice and a fitting service called "wefit" for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a “werepair” service for cycles
Halfords customers shop at 469 stores in the UK and abroad and at Halfords.com for direct home delivery or pick-up at their local store. Nationwide Autocentres operates from 224 sites nationally and offers motorists dealership quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at affordable prices.